Bathroom Tile Selection Design Tips

Selecting the appropriate type of tile and planning your tile design are key elements of a bathroom remodeling project. Not all tiles are created equal, and if you've done any looking we're certain you have noticed the vast variety of styles, types and price points. The price of tiles is directly related to the cost of raw materials, as well as the cost of manufacturing or production. Tiles manufactured with lower absorption rates or tiles requiring more involved production methods will quite naturally be priced higher. To provide more clarity on their differences, the three main types of tiles are described below.

Choosing Tiles – Ceramic, Porcelain or Natural Stone

Ceramic tile is made up of clay or a mixture of clay and other ceramic materials combined with water. Glazes are added to the surface of the tiles to create different colors and finishes. It is then fired in a kiln for hardness.

Porcelain is a type of ceramic tile made up of ultra-fine, purified clays with silica and feldspar to provide an impervious body. The density that makes porcelain impervious also gives it additional hardness. As with ceramic tiles, glazes are added to the surface of the tile to create different colors and finishes.

Natural Stone is cut and honed from large blocks of stone mined from different places around the globe. Natural stone includes granite, marble, limestone and slate. Because it is a natural product the colors can vary widely and the veining is always unique.

Even though two tiles may look similar, it is strongly recommended that you check with the distributor or manufacturer to ensure that the tile you choose is suitable for your application.

 

Creating a Design

Tile is available in a multitude of shapes, sizes, colors and materials. This means the designs and patterns you can create are virtually limitless. Even one color and size of tile can yield different results. Tiles can be arranged diagonally or staggered like subway tile. Using two colors will allow you to create a checkerboard effect. And combining different types and sizes of tiles can produce a stunning, one-of-a-kind design. Map out your bathroom tile design on graph paper or play around with samples until you come up with a design that works for you.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The design process doesn’t end with the tiles. There is also grout to consider. Grout can match, coordinate or contrast with your tiles. The width of grout lines will differ with the size of the tiles. Many tile companies sell spacers to use when applying tiles that allow you to keep a uniform grout line. ‘Sanded’ grout is recommended for lines with a joint width of 1/8” or greater. ‘Unsanded’ grout is recommended for lines less than an 1/8” wide. Your best bet is to read the instructions on the packages and ask your supplier.

Measure Twice and Order Once

Carefully measure the area where you want to install tile. With the total area and the size of each tile, you can calculate the number of tiles required. If you have chosen a design with more than one tile style, size or color, calculate and note requirements for each separately. Add approximately 10 - 15% to your required tile amount to accommodate tile breakage and any tiles you might have to re-cut. This will also allow you some extra tiles for replacement purposes should the need ever arise. If you don’t feel comfortable calculating your tile requirements, take your design and your measurements to your tile supplier and ask for a little help.

Getting the Right Tools for the Job

A trowel for applying the tile adhesive and a float for applying the grout are not expensive tools to purchase, but a tile saw can be. Your best option is to rent a tile saw for the duration of your project. Depending on the type of tiles you purchase, you may need diamond tipped blades for cutting. This is something you can confirm with your supplier. Trowels come with notches in different sizes for spreading different amounts of adhesives and compounds. The instructions on the adhesive will indicate the proper size to use.

 

Remember to have all of your supplies and materials ready at hand before beginning the installation. Don't be afraid to ask questions. Oh, and one last bit of advice - if you're removing the toilet to install tile on the bathroom floor, make sure you have access to another one that's close by.